October 2017

NWU promotes Fatone to professor

Northwestern University (NWU) in Chicago in September promoted Stefania Fatone, PhD, BPO(Hons), to professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation in the Feinberg School of Medicine.

Fatone, a member of LER’s board of advisors, is principal investigator for multiple research and development projects at the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC), where she also contributes to the Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics Program. She began her career at NWU in 2000 and was more recently research associate professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Fatone, who’s a native of Australia and a graduate of its La Trobe University in Melbourne, developed the Northwestern University Flexible Sub-Ischial Vacuum Socket for transfemoral amputation. She leads research in the orthotic management of neuromuscular conditions, particularly stroke and cerebral palsy, and is evaluating partial foot amputation outcomes to facilitate shared decision-making. She’s one of a small cadre of qualified prosthetists and orthotists with a doctorate, according to an NWU release.

She has published more than 65 peer-reviewed articles, editorials, and book chapters and mentored more than 60 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and junior faculty.

The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists recognized her contributions with honorary membership in 2007 and its Research Award in 2010. She’s a long-standing member of the Clinical Content Committee for the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and a board member and chair of the Research Committee for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Education and Research Foundation.